Threat to Media Scholars and Practitioners

The General Assembly of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) approved the following statement in support of Turkish academic colleagues during the association's annual conference from 27-31 July in Leicester, UK.

Turkish communication and media scholars, together with other scholars in Turkey, are experiencing multiple reported incidents of being threatened and harassed by the Turkish government. We call upon President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government to respect academic freedom consistent with academic inquiry in a democracy. It is essential that Turkish scholars be permitted to engage in research and teaching without fear of reprisal in the form of suspension of license or contract, and any other form of harassment. We condemn any such measures applied to scholars working within public and private institutions of higher education in Turkey.

The International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) also condemns actions by the Turkish government aimed at suppressing freedom of expression in the media. Following the failed coup on 15 July, the government issued a decree ordering the closing of three news agencies, 16 TV channels, 23 radio stations, 45 newspapers and 15 magazines.. This creates a climate of fear for journalists and curtails legitimate reporting and independent commentary on the developments in the country.

The International Association for Media and Communication Research - IAMCR - is the preeminent worldwide professional organisation in the field of media and communication research.